New job!

I have a new job! It's at Veludo in St Kilda and apparently it is, or was, a sister restaurant to Amy's work, The World Bar, on the South Bank! How funny. I popped in there after my trial tonight to share the good news with her. So I went around St Kilda last night with some resumes and after 5 places I found Veludo. I went in and had a chat to Kylie, an awesome lass, and she got me to talk to the manager and she asked me what I was lookingn for and I said waitressing or that I'd even do dishwashing, but she said because of my experience waitressing would be good. Someone had just left so it was prefect timing and it seems like such a thebeach. So the manager was thinking about when she could get me in for a trial and we said for tonight at 5pm. So I went in and was shown around by Kylie and it was awesome. It seems cruisy but I know it'll get really busy. I really want to master this place like I did thebeach. It'll be a good challenge. I already have 4 shifts lined up -- Wednesday 9am-9pm, Friday 7pm-close, Saturday 9am-9pm and Sunday 11am-3pm. I think I'll talk to the manager soon about permanent shifts but this is a good start! I should be getting quite a few hours. I'll just have to keep up with my studies. It'll help me get into better practice regarding time management. I really suck at that. Ha ha. So things are looking up!

House stuff stull isn't happening. Nicole, Sammy and I will stick together but we're going to get rid of Chelsea. She kinda stuffed us up with a cute house we got accepted to. We all had to get our parents to sign a form saying they would pay for us if we couldn't, so Nicole and I did, Sammy was prepared to if Chelsea could get hers signed. Her parents are spit up. Her mum isn't financially secure and her dad had to fork out a heap of money for her step-brother so it didn't look good. She also said it was too much money and that she didn't realise it would be that much, even though we told her when we all applied. She's just left it all to us basically and doesn't get it. She also doesn't have a job and won't be here past March next year so it's all a bit stuffed up. It's crap because we all wanted this place but can't get our shit together. It looks like we've lost it. Tomorrow will tell. It's shit because the owner wanted to give us a go but we have just proved them wrong. Drat it. Hopefully Nicole can get a job soon and the 3 of us can get an awesome place together. We have lots of TV series to watch together! It seems like the 3 of us are all on the same level, the same page, and Chelsea just doesn't fit. It's not all her fault. Sigh. Things are looking up. It's a challenge but I'm glad to be here.

Things are getting better

Things are looking up! I had the job trial today at Spinifex where Jess works as a chef and I'll be getting a call on Wednesday with shifts and more details so that's exciting! Zack, the owner I guess, who was on coffee's all day asked me if I wanted to come back. Apparently it's not usually that busy. It was just because we had a huge booking and everyone else came in at the same time. I'm used to that kind of busy from thebeach so it wasn't so bad it's just because it was a new job for me and I'm not used to it and don't know how to do everything that it was a bit hard. It was fine though. It's cash in hand and I got $60 for today, which I am completely surprised about, but I don't think the general pay-rate is that high, but it's a start and it'll help me along with Centrelink. So I've had a good day. I got up and got my stuff into the storage room at the Greenhouse and had some free toast and vegemite with Teresa, my other new German friend, then caught the tram to Kensington Station just opposite Spinifex. If I had been 10 minutes later I wouldn't have made the trial. Eek. Oh, apparently there may only be 2 waitresses on usually but today it was great having 3. It would have been interesting for them if I wasn't there. I'm looking forward to mastering it.

My daily horoscope
Someone may be telling you that you are expecting too much from a romance, friendship, or a work situation. You may even be critiquing yourself, and believing that if only you could be less strict in your requirements that you would be much happier. But most people settle, Scorpio. And therefore, most people believe that other people should settle. After all, misery loves company. You actually have the right idea. Stick to your guns. Remain loyal to your core needs and desires, and you will do fine -- even if it take you longer to find what you're looking for.

This could have something to do with the JD letter and the kind of answer's I'm looking for in regards to his response. I want to know what he's thinking about the whole thing. I'm not expecting much but at least to be friends would be nice and the possibility of seeing each other again for a similar occurance, even though it might not be that good for me because of my ability to attach. Eek. It could also be to do with work. I don't know. It's a good one though.

I really want a bowl of veggies for dinner. I might go up to Thai Culinary and see what they have and if not I'll just get the fried rice with vegies. Nicole tried that with beef and it looked good. Huge too.

I was thinking in the Greenhouse lift today that I think I'm over Yorick but not quite over JD. JD was awesome to cuddle in bed but Yorick was all boney and small. That's a nice thing to smile about. I love rethinking the whole night with JD. I loved the way we first kissed and I am starting to remember small things from that night. I don't remember much though. I was pretty drunk. I remember us talking on the stairs but not feeling any vibes. Drunkness might account for that though. I remember saying I wished I could dance like Liam Finn on the video clip for Second Chance. They asked me to do it but I froze, not in a shy way, but in the way that I was trying to process actually doing it and I couldn't. I said I'd have to look at the video. Weird. I loved that he talked to me first when I got to the party. He talked me through all the rules. When we were first kissing we told each other how we had wanted to be with each other throughout the night. He said it was from when I first walked in. I knew it too. I want that again. I needed to write the letter. I hope he writes back. Little things on Facebook like liking each others statuses or writing little comments isn't enough. It isn't a conversation. It would have been awesome to see each other again. I want to know when he's coming over again!!

Ahh dear. Talked to mum and dad tonight, and Sarah. Going over for Etta's birthday might be tricky as I'm sure I have a class on the Monday. Her birthday is on the Sunday so I might have to get a 10pm flight that evening. I could come over on the Wednesday evening or the Thursday. Something to think about.

Regarding archaeology. I can apply to do it at LaTrobe University [Graduate Certificate in Humanities and Social Sciences] or Melbourne University [Graduate or Postgraduate Diploma in Arts]. Eep! Melbourne Uni is so much closer!! I'll see what happens. I'll apply to both. Yay! I can't wait to do that. It'll be so awesome.

Must go and get some food then go back to the Space Hotel where I'm staying with Nicole for at least tonight. I do need to do a bit of Uni work but I feel like I'll be handing it in late. Eek. I'll have a full-on study day tomorrow but it's due tomorrow. It won't be done by then! I was planning on having today to finish it off but the whole moving thing plus the trial took much longer than expected. Hmm. Maybe I'll be handing it in on Wednesday! Yikes. I'd better get a move on then.

Another hot day

I finally got my hair cut again today. Funnily enough it's been growing out but it's been getting a bit too long and silly so this morning I booked in at the Margate hairdressers for 145 and it's done. I don't quite know how it looks but I'll style it up nicely. I'll work around if it's not as great as I hoped. It's still a little damp and definitely not styled so I can't tell. Never mind.

I went to Uni today and have put my books in to be sold. I have to check in with them in one or two weeks to see if they've been sold, then I can claim my money! I had 7 books in, most for $30-35 and one at $18 so that'll make roughly $200 I think. Wow! That'll be a nice bonus if they all sell, which I am strongly hoping they do. I will be away though so I'll call them to check if they have been sold then send mum maybe to go and pick up the money for me, if she'll do that. I think she will. I also dumped a heap of old clothes into the Lifeline bin. Someone will definitely use them as I haven't for years. It's nice to cleans stuff like that.

I think my sister Sarah and I will be going to the movies tomorrow. I want to see Going the Distance and No Strings Attached and Gnomeo and Juliet and Black Swan and 127 hours and Tangled again. I'm not sure which one we'll see together, maybe No Strings Attached or Black Swan or 127 hours. She isn't as into animated movies as I am. Well that might be untrue but we love our chick-flicks.

Last night I had to abandon my room because I was pretty much surrounded by huntsmen spiders. Why can't they leave me alone!? Every time I go into that room I have to check and see if there are spiders on the roof [the roof is an a-frame] and if so get rid of them. Otherwise I can't sleep if I know they're there somewhere. That happened last night. I found one that I couldn't get, killed a baby looking one, then when I snapped awake thinking there were more, after 10 seconds of using my phone as a torch there was one crawling near where my head was only moments before!!! So I left my room for one of the other rooms over in the big house and that was that. I had a better sleep knowing the room was spider-free but also couldn't stop thinking about them. I HATE THEM! I wish they would all die die DIE! Arr. So I'm not sleeping over there ever again. Hah!

I am trying to look up cinemas in Melbourne. I want to be prepared for lonely nights while staying at the backpackers. That's what keeps me entertained although I shouldn't have a hard time with that due to my busy schedule.

I really need to wash my hair and get all the excess bits off my neck and top. They keep stabbing me!

Movies and strategies

Last night was a really fun night. It started off with me meeting Sarah at her place then going to Cool Thai for dinner. We had our usuals and it was fantastic. It's been a while since I've been and I sure have missed it. After that, Sarah dropped me off at the movies. I saw Morning Glory with Sophie at the Hobart cinemas then Sarah picked me up outside and we went to see Burlesque at Eastlands! I loved the second one especially but the first was better than I thought it would be. I spent a bit too much because the first was at Gold Class and the ticket was $30 but it was worth it. I can't save everything. I've been doing well in the saving department too.

Mum, dad, Jan and Fra went to Strahan from Monday to Thursday so it was nice having them back yesterday. Mum and dad went to work so it was just me and the aunts here and it was quite a relaxing day. Today they're on Bruny Island and I feel lonely again. It makes me think of how it will be in Sydney. Yes I'll be sad and lonely but I'll make friends and have Joyce and my cousin Sam to visit if things are really depressing. I feel like I'm not strong enough but I'll have to be. I feel alone already. It's like I've left but haven't. I was planning to visit James and George and Etta today but they're busy. That's why I felt lonely. I'll get used to it. I'm going to write a list of strategies for when I feel lonely and sad. Good plan.

A funny start to the week

I experienced all the amazingness of MONA yesterday. The whole site is breathtaking from the vineyards to the bars/restaurants to the museum itself. I could never have imagined what the museum would be like from what I've read in the papers and I'm glad I couldn't. Seeing it without knowing what to expect was better. A lot of the artworks weren't up because things are still being built but just the building is an artwork. I loved the huge and super tall sandstone wall and how some rooms were cut so tall people would bump their heads. I was a bit tired by the time I got to the museum tour as in the morning I had been on the grounds tour so I wasn't as excited as I am now thinking back. It's a great building. 3 floors underground. It's amazing. I'm back there on Wednesday for 930am again. I was so tired yesterday. It was a long day.

Most of yesterday and a bit of the day before, I had noticed my car has been playing up a bit. She revs too high and won't lower it automatically and it got to be a problem yesterday. Once I was on my way home, I thought I had better stop for petrol and I made it to Margate. I got petrol, paid for it, hopped back into my car and it wouldn't start. I went into the car-fixing office and Dale was there, the mechanic who we've known for years, and he said I had a flat battery. He rolled my car down a slope backwards to the RACT van, charged it, and said that the alternator has been playing up and thus not charging the battery properly. The car is now in their shop. I called dad and he came and got me. It's just funny, that's all.

Today I'm going back to the Maritime to do some of my last volunteering. If I get into the University of Sydney I might only have two shifts left there but it all depends on the 19th. I really hope I get in. Then tonight I have work. Not looking forward to it but alas I need the money. This Wednesday I should get a great pay. I'll put most of it away. I don't need to spend much.

It's been raining for a little while now and we're to expect it will stay until the weekend. It made me not want to get up this morning so I watched A Walk to Remember and cried not only for them but for me. I can't wait for someone to love me like they were in love and for me to love them back, for us to get married and have a family. It's one of my hugest dreams and not having it on my radar now sometimes makes me sad. This is my year though. I'll get it. The rain also makes me want to stay home, but there's nothing to do here and I like volunteering at the Maritime so it's best that I go. Work will be good too. I like having contact with the other staff members but sometimes the work annoys me. I have to take dad's car today too. I'm going to go and collect my first Fronting MONA assignment from the Uni before I volunteer at 2pm and hopefully warm myself up on the walk from near the Uni to the museum.

I went to Illusions yesterday to inquire about an appointment for my first tattoo and the lady there said my small tattoo would cost $90! I think that's ridiculous. It's so tiny! What can cost that much? Holly said to leave it with her and she'll do some research for me. That's way too much to pay especially since it's almost $100 and I have to save everything I can. I hate that I had to put my car in for a service. It's going to set me way back. This week I will get a good pay though so it won't be too bad but still, it's annoying. I want to get this tattoo done but not for that price. It ought not to be more than $50.

I want to get a collection of photos of my family together to print out before I head off so once I get to Sydney I'll still have my family around me. I can't wait to have a unit/apartment and feel adult having my own space. I need to re-watch Sex and the City episodes to get ideas from Carrie Bradshaw's apartment. I want photos of James and George and Etta and one of the whole family and just some great moments that have been captured over the years. That is one of my little projects to be completed soon. One afternoon this week might work.

I need to eat something before I head off. For some reason I sometimes make myself nervous before going to something new even though I know it'll be fun and cruisy and therefore can't eat. It's a strange habit and it annoys me but it happens. I thought of this because I'm feeling like I won't be able to eat much now. I hate being put off eating. It wouldn't hurt me though because I've been letting myself go a bit with food. I'm in a bad weight rut. Sydney will be my opportunity to fix it. Tonight when I get back from work I want to look into other accommodation options, like cheaper backpacker's or caravan parks that I can utilise once I get to Sydney wile trying to find a place. I won't have time tomorrow afternoon as I'll be spending time with Jan and Fra! I should go eat.

One of many possible Sydney apartments

A cute apartment I wouldn't mind having in Forest Lodge, Sydney.

Set in a converted Victorian Mansion is this well presented studio apartment with share bathrooms. Located at the rear of the building this apartment is private and quiet. Complete with kitchenette and wardrobe. The building also has a coin operated share laundry. Easy walk to Sydney Uni. $220 per week. $1000 bond.

As long as I get Centrelink I'd be able to afford this one ... being close to Uni is where I'd want to be unless I decide to live with Katie and her friend for less money. Only time will tell.

Making the Cut

I've been reading Making the Cut by Jillian Michaels today in preparation for my 30 day program and found some wonderfully inspirational words I want to share here.

Our relationships are nothing more than a reflection of the relationship we have with ourselves.

Lack of sleep can also trigger release of cortisol, a nasty stress hormone that promotes abdominal fat and is responsible for making us feel hungry even when we are full.

Studies have shown that people who live in a cluttered environment are more easily distracted, overwhelmed and stressed. By clearing things out and organizing your life, you are making a statement that you are ready to let go of all the superfluous crap you've been hanging on to and be open to new possibilities.

If you let go of old conceptions of yourself, you can maintain an open mind and be open to all possibilities. What we believe about ourselves dictates the way we interact in the world. It is imperative that you let go of the past in order to re-create yourself in the present.

I love all of these quotes.

To me, Sydney is about more than just going to Uni, it's about changing my lifestyle, obtaining the best body of my life inside and out, and making permanent changes to reprogram my deep-rooted laziness. That's why I want to live alone, so I can control my environment and get completely organised. I would like having people around but I believe this is the way I need to do things, if I can swing the money side of it. I'll go into Centrelink tomorrow and start the ball rolling.

Sydney, Holly, Sydney

I didn't get an offer today, unless I missed it. I wasn't truly expecting to hear back today but would have loved if I did. It sucks because I can't make plans and this whole thing is being drawn out so much. It makes me dislike the Uni a bit. Making people wait this long is mean, especially since classes start a month after I/we might find out on the 19th. As long as I get in I'll be happy. Once I find out I have to book flights to Sydney straight away for the in-person enrollment. That week will go by pretty quickly and be rather eventful. Hopefully I'll be over there for Australia Day so I can meet up with Annie [I'm sad she's not still working at thebeach]. It's already the 5th of January so I have around 15 days to sort out what I want to take with me when I move and there is a lot to sort through.

I hope I can find my own place. I'm still not sold on living with people other than a partner but will do it if I have to. Paying bond all by myself [around $1000] would wipe out most of my savings for this move and unless I get Centrelink straight away that might be a bad idea. I am actually getting more shifts at work, especially this week, so I'll be able to put more away. I haven't put any away this week because I only got paid around $200-250 which is nothing and it doesn't go that far. I hate money sometimes. By the time I head off, I might have saved $2000, and I stress might. I have $1500 now, $1000 could go towards bond and $300 towards a bed so that isn't much left, unless I save another $500 now. I'd need to go shopping for supplies once I have a house and rent and pay for the airfares [unless I get the free tickets from my aunts who had to change their plans when they couldn't fly out of the UK for Christmas] but I might be doing the home-stay thing before I find a house or move in with Kirsten's Katie. Moving in with Katie and her friend would be a lot cheaper but it's not my dream, unless we each got our own floor, or at least own bathroom and a big room. Drat.

I'm going to visit Holly today. I am so excited about that. We haven't had a proper catch up in a while. I miss her perspective and conversation. She helped me so much during my break up with Yorick and I love her wisdom. I am so glad to have met her. The Lordy boys were good for one thing after all. After that I have work. I am super sick of hospitality but I have to keep working until I head off, otherwise I'll have no money whatsoever and I can't let that happen. I hate this whole money situation. It's really bugging me. Maybe I'll have to live in a share house [especially since people keep saying living in Sydney is expensive]. Drat again.

Changes

I have my work schedule for the next 3 weeks and I'm not completely happy with it. Next week is good as I have 4 definite shifts and I am going to Melbourne but the following weeks I only have 2 definites and a maybe.

Monday 13th Dec 6pm

Tuesday 14th Dec 630pm

Friday 17th Dec 630pm

Saturday 19th Dec ON CALL PM -- I wouldn't mind missing this one as I'm planning to go to Opossum Bay while James and George are there with friends. Only staying for the day would be okay but not having to rush back and stress about getting to work on time is something I don't need.

Sunday 19th Dec 930am

Tuesday 21st Dec ON CALL PM

Thursday 23rd Dec 11am

Friday 24th Dec 1230pm

Tuesday 28th Dec ON CALL PM

Thursday 30th Dec 11am

Sunday 2nd Jan 4pm

It's nice to have some time off so I can study for Uni and see my aunts Jan and Fra who are coming out on the 23rd of December but I need as much work as I can get so I can save! Hopefully I'll find a job to go to wherever I move so I won't have too much pressure regarding money but I would like to be busy now and earn money while I have the chance. Drat this Mrs Kim. I'll just write a note on the roster saying I'm available for work if anyone needs to give any shifts away. I didn't think when Alison and I were talking on the phone last week to say no when she said she was giving me time off. It just didn't click. She blind-sighted me with it so I couldn't think. Never mind. It'll all work out.

My sister doesn't like the design I have 99% chosen for my first tattoo --

I really like it. I think bar codes are a products' DNA in a way and to me, my surname and my heritage is the same. That will never change and it's so very important to me. Plus it looks cool. I'm going to book something for the new year. A Saturday when Emma can come and possibly in the afternoon so Holly can come too. I'm excited!

Monday I have another lecture and tutorial for Fronting MONA then work. Tuesday I am going in for most of the day to the Maritime to help with an upcoming exhibition then work. Wednesday I'm off to Melbourne. I wonder when I'm going to pack? I won't need to take much so it won't take long. Maybe Monday after Uni and before work as I don't know how long I'll be at the Maritime for on Tuesday. I'll get it done.

Speaking of Fronting MONA, I need to work on my first assignment [the application for a job there] before it's due on the 20th. The cover letter needs to have so many elements in it that I'm going to start writing in dot points all I need to include in it then go from there to round it out. I just don't know who it's going to so I can't add the right address in. I'll ask the tutor in class tomorrow.

After tonight I will have worked around 25 hours and that is good. I'll get about $400 and put most of it away. As long as I have a job to go to I'll be okay. I might only make $2000 before I head off. That will cover bond and a bed but not much else. Centrelink will help but having a job to go to would be best. A house will fall into place and it'll all work out nicely. It shall! I'll apply for the Body Shop and for gallery attendant jobs and just about anything that sounds good. Day work is a must. It'll happen.

December is almost over, almost

I am so excited December is almost over. It's only the 9th but it has already gone by so fast and I am very grateful. Soon it will be January and I'll find out whether or not I'm accepted to the University of Sydney [and I can start ordering and getting someone to screen print for me one of those classic Uni tees that people wear. I want to get two of the grey Threadless tees from the American Apparel website and have one for the Uni of Sydney and one for the Uni of Tasmania. They each have a specific font so I'll have to get that somehow and replicate it onto the tees.] and I can finally start making plans. I can't wait to start organising everything I want to take with me.

Last night while thinking about it I had forgotten that I'll probably do a home stay until I find a house. I will be looking for a house and for a job before I leave, and that will make it easier as I was starting to panic thinking that I wouldn't be able to take a lot with me, just a carry-on bag, and I would have to make another trip back just for my stuff. I think that by organising to stay at someones house I'll save money and be able to take a big suitcase with me. I imagined myself sorting through all my stuff and deciding what to take with me. Packing that suitcase will at least take a week to organise. I'll probably head over mid to late January for orientation [I'd better get in because I'm counting on it] then come back, work a bit, and go over again. It's a bit annoying having to go over and back but I can scout out some possible houses while I'm there and maybe not have to do a house stay thing. I'd rather be sorted at the beginning of February so I have time to settle in before Uni starts.

I probably don't need all that time but I'd like to explore the city more too. I would like to know the city close to as well as I know Hobart but that's impossible. I grew up here and have a map in my head, and I love that but it will be hard to get that with Sydney. I'll try though. I won't be bored over there because I can just go out and explore. Exciting! I want to make a cubby, but I would have to find blankets and extra pillows. I'll have to buy them. No cubby straight away then. I'll have to watch my spendings. I will need to get a job as soon as I can but again I'll look before I go. Matt from thebeach went to a job when he moved to Melbourne. I can do that too! It'll all work out. I just have to make and save as much money now as I can and I'll be okay. I have plenty of time left, kinda sorta.

I really miss my mp3 player. It's kinda broken and unless I find the box it came in I can't do anything about it. Also my car radio doesn't work because the code is lost and it shouldn't be but there you go. I hate living a music-less life especially in my car or on walks with Katie because they are the times I would listen to music. At the moment I'm listening to VersaEmerge's album Fixed At Zero on YouTube and am loving it. I might have to invest in another player or CDs. I'd rather another player, or to get mine fixed, because I need to save my money. I'll have another scoop in my room. Now I'm thinking -- will I take my 18th birthday present, a CD player, with me? It has a sub woofer and everything. It definitely won't fit in my suitcase but it could be sent up. It would be nice to play music out loud and not just on my mp3 player if I ever get if fixed. Yorick got it for me for Christmas last year to the warranty might have already run out but I have to find it and see.

Today I'm going to get an Advent Calendar for Christmas. I wanted to get one weeks ago at Target but they had a sad range where I looked and nothing interested me. I'll find a good one today at Big W when I go to meet Sophie before work. Before then I have to walk Katie and have some lunch. I'll probably stay out unless we finish at Big W quickly. I work at 6 so I'll see how it goes.

I can and will do it

I'm sick of everyone telling me how hard it will be moving to Sydney and how much money I'll have to save first because I won't be able to get a job. Oh how I'll prove them wrong. I'm not too pissed off about it but it is annoying. I'm going to make it work! It will probably be hard but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'll be able to find a job fine, maybe not straight away but there will be something out there. I'll get Centrelink and I'll survive. I'll spend as little money as possible and make it work that way if I have to. I can do this!

I just booked my accommodation for the backpackers in Melbourne. I'm glad that's sorted. I'll get paid the day I arrive in Melbourne too so that's comforting. I'll try not to spend to much money there either. Seeing some of the museums might cost a little bit as will getting around the city but I can manage not spending much. It's all for a good purpose.

Why don't people believe in me!? I'm going to do just fine. I can't wait to move and get a cute little house and, over time, set it up with cute things.

Possible jobs

+ Gallery or Museum Attendant

+ Air Hostess / Flight Attendant

+ Waitress [although I'd rather not]

+ Sales Assistant at a bookstore or clothing store

It won't be that hard to get a job. I can do it! I can!

Back online

I love my niece Etta so much, she makes me want to have a baby now. James and George and Etta came over for dinner tonight with mum's friend Christine from Launceston and it was so lovely seeing a happy, awake, and alert Etta. She's getting more and more like that. She's 4 months old! How time has flown by. I can't wait to start a family.

Speaking about starting things, I started a Spring/Summer unit at the Centre for Arts, aka Art School or Fine Arts part of the Uni, and it's to do with MONA, a new private museum [to be the largest in Australia] started by David Walsh. We have 6 weeks of 1h lectures and 1h tutorials then in January we go to the MONA [Museum of Old and New Art] site out at Moorilla for 5 days from 930-330 and do some intensive learning. It'll be fantastic! I'm loving being back at Uni even though the studying hasn't quite started yet. I won't be hugely bored this Summer! I'm pleased about that. And it's extremely relevant to my future studies. There is a chance of employment through this course but it's to be someone who mediates between the art and the viewer. It's not curating or anywhere near it but it'll be great to see that side of things and it might be a necessary stepping stone to one day being a curator or assistant curator. I'm very, very excited about it.

I'm going to get another Threadless tee! And as I told Holly when I saw her last week, I keep thinking of things in terms of tattoo's so this is a possibility. I think this addition to my collection makes 17 as I bought two the other day. I'm not sure why the name doesn't have a capitol and from my position it doesn't say anything about the design [art should speak for itself though and it does. Rona and I discussed this today at the Maritime] but it's not about the title it's about the beautiful work itself. And I truly love it.

sol

As I mentioned above, I went to the Maritime today. I felt like I was really doing something important. I was helping with a quest to find any evidence [through Hobart Regatta silk winning lists] that a particular carved whale bone and the family involved is linked to Tasmania. It is the hopes of the people asking for it to be brought to the Maritime and put on display, otherwise it'll stay in the USA, where is currently resides. I'll be continuing on with that next week! I'm pleased.

I have to pay my car rego tomorrow. I'm sad. I don't want to part with any more of the money I've been saving. Luckily I get paid tomorrow and this week I'm doing 5 shifts so it won't seem like too much has gone. It does make me sad watching it going down. It is, fingers crossed, the last time I'll have to do it for a few years and I'll, also fingers crossed, get some of this "investment" back once I sell it before heading off to Sydney or Melbourne.

For now it's off the computer and to bed! Some Gilmore Girls before sleep is inevitable and hopefully I won't wake up too early with the sun in the morning so I can feel rested instead of tired. That would be nice.

Getting paid to walk

I got a new job! A while ago I applied for something I saw on TV about making money while you walk. Today I had a missed call and called back and was offered a position taking out catalogues in the Snug, Electrona and Conningham areas, not too far from Margate. I'm going by the place tomorrow, I guess to pick up the catalogues, and then on Sunday and Monday I'll go a-dropping. I won't make too much money but I may as well make a little extra while getting fit and doing something productive. It might only be $15-$20 a week but it's better than nothing and it all adds up. I've been getting tips too. Haven't been saving them as much as I should as I love having gold coins in my wallet.

Speaking of walking, about 45 minutes ago I started on a walk with Katie when it started to rain really heavily. I had to run back to the car with her and drive up the big hill back home [only takes 1 minute if that]. Now it has stopped but I wonder how long for. It was intense rain even if only for 10 minutes. I think it's still pitter pattering slightly. Another time. Might go watch a movie!

Sydney here I come! [Please]

Once again getting accepted to Sydney is the only thing on my mind. Everyday I keep checking the UAC website, aka Universities Admissions Centre, to see whether or not I have gotten any offers. Drat that lady for not giving my a specific date! It's driving me insane.

Okay, so there have been other things on my mind. Sydney takes up most of it. I've been watching Parenthood lately and am loving it more and more. I love watching couples fall in love and making future plans like to get married or have children. That's what I want. I want to meet my future husband and start a family. I want to feel how right it is, how he's the one, and experience what it's like to be with your perfect match. I want to build a life with him, go travelling, and start making babies. I can't wait.

I have saved $1650 so far! I'm very proud of myself. I think from now on I'll keep saving my money even when I'm in Sydney [I had a good feeling about it today]. I want to be able to buy things and go on holidays and not have to start from scratch each time. I need to be more money responsible. I love watching the numbers get higher. I did a little shopping today. I got some supplies for my rice ball plushies and it costed a bit. I also went grocery shopping for a few things and feel like I've spent all my money. I did order some Mari Winsor Pilates DVDs too. I am a bit stressed that I'm wasting it but I'm not really. I'll just watch what I spend for the rest of the week and I'll be back up again when I get paid. I got $400 this week and will probably get a little more as I'm working a double on Friday. I don't like being stressed out about money.

I need more supplies for my rice balls. I forgot to get some kind of string/rope for their dangling arms and legs, which will need to be attached before I sew everything up. I got some really cute patterned fabrics. I'm going to make some bunnies [by adding floppy ears] and maybe some bears and just some regular rice balls. I'll use my covered button earring bases for eyes and put a little cross on them. For some I'll have to use black eyes with a white cross and for others the reverse depending on the fabric. It's all very exciting. I think they will be darn cute.

The weather has been rather nice lately. Warm and hopeful. It did rain most of today though, which is a little sad. The nicer weather has been a great spirit-lifter. I can't wait for Sydney and the beautiful weather. Next year will be so fabulous. I really want to get in. I'm constantly praying and as you can see I've come back to this topic! It is really the majority of what I spend my time thinking about. That's okay though because I'm sick of this year and want to go out on my own. I deserve it and it's about time I survive on my own. Bring it on.

Uni musings

I've been looking into museum books today and yesterday and have found quite a collection I would love to eventually have. They range in prices from the Book Depository but I think I can manage getting one each week without going broke. I have ordered two -- The Museum: Behind the Scenes at the British Museum and Making Museums Matter. Both added up to a little over $40 so I think that's a bargain. Most are around the $35 mark or higher but as I said, one a week or something like that won't make me broke.

I accepted the offer from Deakin this morning. I'll be able to get out of it if I get accepted to Sydney [always hoping and silently praying, despite being agnostic] so I thought I may as well get the information pack from Deakin and take a look at what it's all about studying there. I wonder when I'll find out about Sydney. Sara at work said to call them up and ask. I've been checking my Gmail a lot since it took my phone 5 days and some searching to find out I had received an offer from Deakin. I'm not going to let it slip by again. My phone will tell my I have 2 new emails, for example, but won't show them. I then have to go on my internet, as this was an application, and go to Gmail and sign in and then it appears. May as well use a normal computer.

At the Uni of Sydney I have made a list of the units I'd like to do if I get into the Diploma. You have to do 6 units, 3 of which are already allocated [one core and two internships], and I have chosen 4 possibilities for the other 3. 2 are definite but 2 I'm not sure which to choose from. I think it's generally the same at Deakin but there is a strong focus on Cultural Heritage. It's not just straight Museum Studies, which is why I don't really want to go to there but I will if I have no other choice. I just want to focus on museums, and that's what I'd get at Sydney, which is why I want to go so badly. Eeek! I love that the classes are in the evenings from 5-7. It's different.

The units I have chosen are --

+ The Museum Context [core]

+ Internship 1

+ Internship 2

+ Exhibition Development

+ Artifact Studies

and + Information and Collection Management

or + Museum and Gallery Administration

Info and Collections will be 5-7 on a week day, but the Admin course is 5 full days, which is similar to a Summer School course. That wouldn't bother me too much, especially since the subject itself is important, but would it fit in with work and with internships? I could only do that course in second semester and I should probably wait until then to do the internships so I have some knowledge in the field so it might not be possible. There wasn't a lot of choice on the website I visited with the units on offer but luckily I like the sound of most of them. I think I'll end up doing Info and Collections. If I go for my Masters I'll be able to do more units.

I am so excited about next year! I really hope it's Sydney as the course is superior and I'll get a better education. I'll be sad if it's Melbourne but will cope as I'll have friends and be closer to home, but as I've mentioned a few times in the past, it's not just about going to Uni in Sydney, it's about making my own home, a life for myself, it's about being independent and getting into good habits. Sydney will be wonderful but Melbourne will be fine too. It's a decent second choice. I hope my fate is for Sydney.

Maritime + presents success

The Maritime was good today. I'm looking forward to going back each week and learning something new. Being able to add a new "task" to my resume. I love updating my resume. I've now, as of a brainwave last night while trying to sleep, divided my work history into State sections. I've worked in Queensland, the rest are in Tasmania, but as of next year there will be a new State to write under. I'm a bit of a resume nerd!

Tonight I ordered the 2 posters for George and the same 2 for me. I saved 5% and all up is was around $80 including postage. Not too bad. Roughly $20 each, which is the most I'd expect to pay, and they are great little posters. Not too little. I'll probably get G one of the books as well. And some for me too.

I spent part of the evening helping my sister with her application to Dotti. Some of the questions were a bit hard but we got it done. Detailed application process! Dinner was good. I like it when we all eat together, which is rare because Sarah doesn't live here anymore. It feels like childhood and like we're connecting.

I'm glad I didn't have to work tonight. Sarah and I got some Magners Irish Cider for our pre-dinner drinks. It's not a habit we're in but I felt like it and so did she. It was nice. Got a little tipsy.

The lists for those working on Christmas Eve and/or New Years Eve came out at work recently. I'm rostered on for Christmas Eve so I'll get to go to Emma's New Years Eve party! I think that will be fun. I'm hoping Emma will come with me to my sister's party, or Andi if not Emma, so I'll have someone to hang with. I know some of Sarah's friends but not enough to feel comfortable hanging with them for the whole night ...

I didn't sleep much last night. I'm feeling tired now. Being up late doesn't help for a huge working day now does it!

I have lots of presents to get from Habitat. It has everything! Getting them now seems sensible to me. I've never been this organised with presents! I'm so proud of myself. I'm not going to go broke this year. I'm sad I'm dipping into my wonderful savings though. I'll top it up on Wednesday. It'll look much prettier then.

I should finish up on here and get some sleep! Up at 930am to get ready for work. I hope I sleep better tonight.

Tid bits

I donated plasma today, aka blood. I completed the whole session too without needing to go to the toilet. I'm glad because the more you can give the more lives you can improve. I'm booked in with Sarah to donate whole blood soon. I can't remember the date but it's on a card so I don't have to.

Tomorrow I have my first volunteering session at the Maritime at 2pm till 5pm. Then I have work at 6pm. Then Wednesday is my birthday! Tomorrow I need to hunt some new Ugg boots down so mum and dad can give them to me for my birthday. I'm excited about volunteering. I think it will be great.

Today I put all my work earnings into the bank. I also got paid for Relish and I now have $930 with $100 yet to be added as I took that out last week. I'm well on my way! Mum thinks I need $3000 and I should be able to make that by the time I go. I can't wait to go.

Future, here I come

Just went for a walk with mum and had a bit chat about next year, Sydney and Melbourne, finances and living arrangements. I'm going to love getting into great habits once I have my own house. That is really important to me. I want to plan like Sometimes Sweet and map out each weeks meals. I want to clean regularly and on the whole be more organised and prepared. This is why I want to live alone, so I can only rely on myself and get into these habits.

I also need to save as much money as I can because I might not be able to find a job straight away. I hated when I was there last time and ran out of money on the Tuesday before Wednesdays pay day. I don't want to experience that. I'll be good with my money too, when I'm there, and will get a cheap TV and just get the essentials to start with. I want to get out of here as soon as I can and I want this life. Mum and I are going to work on collecting some recipes for me to use when I'm over there as I want to get into a cooking and cleaning routines, as well as exercise routine and little things like drinking more water, especially as soon as I get up, and remembering to take my the Pill. I want my life to be just the way I wish it were. I will make that happen.

Home again home again

So, I have returned to Margate as of last night. I really enjoyed my time away but I'm glad I'm back with all my things and not living out of a suit case. I didn't really as I had all my things strewn about on their 6 The State Cinema chairs. At any rate it's nice to be home.

I went for an hour long walk today with Katie. I called her Jez at one stage. I thought a lot about next year, about being 24 [almost!], and the fact that after next year I don't want to live at home anymore. This will be the last time I'll be living at home. It's not that I don't like it, but I'm too old to be living here and want to start afresh in a new place. I did a little looking at rental properties on www.rent.com.au and there were a few for Glebe, Newtown and other surrounding areas. $250 a week might be a bit much so hopefully there is something just as nice a little further away from the city and the Uni. I'll possibly be able to still walk to Uni or easily enough catch a bus. I want to be in the middle of a suburb though. Not on the main road as some of the results from the website produced. I'll find somewhere great somehow...

I'm going to get some new black arm warmers and some black legwarmers off eBay tomorrow. I want to wear the leg warmers with my new "pumps," the colourful shoes I got in Sydney on the second trip. They're black with hot pink and green on them but need the leg warmers to make my legs look better when wearing them with stockings. I'm glad I'll finally be able to wear them more in the next few weeks. I must also get the Union Jack bed spread in the next few weeks, as long as it's still available.

Christmas is creeping up. Last year I made the mistake of getting all my presents for others too late and was broke until late January. It sucked! I had to borrow money, which I always hate, and it took me so long to recover from it. I'll try and spread my present-buying over the next few months until Christmas actually arrives. I have no idea what to get anyone but I'll just have a wander around the shops and see what I can find.

I really like my hair short, and everyone at work also thinks it suits me. Two people have said it makes my eyes stand out, which is nice, and it's such low maintanence, apart from the initial washing and styling. I'm so glad I did it, and so glad that I went to Imola. They are the best. It's funny that my hairdresser, Jess, was in my sister's grade in high school and lived near by us. Blast from the past! I still need to take a picture and I will ... eventually ...

A few Sundays ago, 2 I think, I went over to Holly's for the afternoon and we took a trip to the market in the Masonic Temple on Sandy Bay Road and I saw there some of the carved red heart necklaces that I have always wanted. Today, Holly messaged me saying she has found some to buy. I had asked the lady who's stall they were at where to buy them and she said the guy wasn't making them much anymore and that it would be best to seek him out and ask for one but if they're in a shop this is much better and easier. I'll head into town tomorrow and go grab a few. One for a necklace, one for a bracelet, and maybe even 2 to make into earrings! They are $15 each so I shouldn't go overboard. I'm so happy though.

This afternoon I'm meeting Sophie at Blackman's Bay beach near my work and we'll go for a stroll then get some dinner somewhere, probably at work. Then I start work at 6pm. I'm not sure if we'll go there for a meal but we may as well as it's so close. We could go to Kingston and get something. We'll decide when we meet. I wonder how she is. I shall soon find out.

If I get called in for Wednesday evening I'll have worked every day there this week! Madness! I'm definitely looking forward to the money. I want to put most of it away and yet still have enough in my pocket/bank to let me buy a few things, like the necklaces and other bits and pieces. I'll be hanging with Emma on Thursday night so I'll need a bit of money for that. I'll try to put away $200 if I can. It depends on how much I earned! I can't wait to see that bank balance though.

I should go and get ready for tonight though. I haven't even showered and I have to leave soon. Yikes! Time has slipped away.

Big working week ahead

I've got a busy working week starting tomorrow! I'm glad I'm getting more shifts but I need something more permanent, something like a Monday to Friday job with set hours. On Monday I will call up "Work and Training," the employment agency Sophie mentioned. Also on Monday I'm going to go shopping with Sarah, I think, and try on this cute white dress I saw in Dotti yesterday with her but didn't try it on then as we went to our grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary held at my uncle Jim and his partner Jo's house. It was lovely to see them so happy and still together after such a long time together. It's crazy!

The Beach

Monday 18th -- on call evening [will pick James, George and Etta up from the airport if I'm not needed]

Tuesday 19th -- 6pm

Wednesday 20th -- on call evening [did request it off to go to the movies with the girls from work but Alison didn't see it apparently. Hopefully I don't need to be called in.]

Thursday 21st -- 1030am and possibly evening

Friday 22nd -- 530pm

Saturday 23rd -- 6pm

Sunday 24th -- 5pm

I'm starting work today a little earlier [3pm instead of 5pm] so Grace 1 [there's also Grace 2. Both have surnames starting with a 'W' and have the same birthday. Freaky] can study more. There's a few more hours there. I also worked last Monday for 7 hours or something and had a big working night last night. Now I don't have to pay mum back for flights and my phone bill I can concentrate on putting money away each week. I do, after all, need to save a heap for whatever I'm going to be doing next year.